Mubarak Reportedly Plotting Exile to Germany

The 82-year-old Egyptian president is looking at German hospitals to which he could flee for a “prolonged health check.”

The plan gets high marks for creativity. Seeking to make a graceful exit from power as his country is gripped by a 15th day of mass anti-government protests, der Spiegel is reporting that Mubarak is firming up plans for a prolonged stay at the Max-Grundig-Klinik Bühlerhöhe near Baden-Baden. Reportedly, Mubarak would announce that he is travelling there for health reasons and appoint a caretaker leader, and then simply never return to Egypt. The plan is believed to be the brainchild of U.S. diplomats and to have the full assent of the German government, which has expressed willingness to give him haven. Last year Mubarak traveled to another German facility for a gall bladder operation. It was rumoured he had cancer.